Echinochloa crusgalli

Japanese millet, barnyard millet, chiwaga, billion dollar grass

Tall robust annual, 60-120 cm high, cultivated as a cereal in the tropics and subtropics. If sown during the rainy season, reaches maturity in about six weeks with good yields of rather coarse fodder. Fertile, moist but well-drained soils required for high yields. Grows vigorously, tolerates temporary flooding, and can sometimes already be grazed three weeks after sowing. Strip grazing recommended, starting when the crop is 30-40 cm high; can be grazed five times. Often occurs as a weed in rice and cotton. Suitable for ensiling, but too succulent for easy haymaking.